Benue APC Crisis: Governor Alia Blames Party Chieftains for Disagreements

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has attributed the crisis in the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the actions of some party chieftains who want to control government funds. According to Alia, these individuals want to turn Benue State into their private estate, but he has resisted their attempts. The governor made this known at the Adamawa State Tiv Day celebration in Yola, where he addressed the lingering disagreements within the APC in Benue.

Alia stated that he was voted by the people of Benue State and that his fate would be decided by them, not by a few individuals who prioritize their family interests over the state's interest. He emphasized that there was Benue State before these individuals and there would be Benue State after them. The governor's comments come amid a deepening political disagreement within the Benue APC.

The disagreement follows the emergence of a coalition led by Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, to mobilize support for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima in 2027. The Benue APC has rejected the coalition, known as the Strategic Alliance for Tinubu/Shettima Re-election 2027, alleging that it was designed to undermine Alia's chances of securing a second term as governor.

The Director-General of the Benue State Tinubu/Alia 2027 Campaign Council, Citizen Richard Asema, stated the party's position during a press briefing, expressing concerns over the involvement of prominent APC members and opposition politicians in the alliance. Asema questioned the composition of the alliance, particularly the involvement of governorship candidates of opposition parties.

The Benue APC alleged that the alliance was intended to sabotage Alia's re-election bid while presenting itself as a platform supporting Tinubu's second-term ambition. The party under the leadership of Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia and the Chairmanship of Benjamin Omale, wishes to strongly reject this purported Strategic Alliance and its Campaign Council.

Governor Alia also urged Tiv people living in Adamawa State to be good ambassadors of Benue and promote peace and unity. He maintained that no single ethnic group could build Nigeria alone, stressing the need for all ethnic groups to work together towards building a peaceful nation for future generations. Alia donated N5 million towards the construction of a Tiv unity house in Adamawa State.

The governor's comments highlight the ongoing challenges within the Benue APC, with key players expressing differing views on the party's direction. The crisis has significant implications for the party's performance in future elections. Key issues include Alia's leadership style, the role of party chieftains, and the party's overall strategy.

Key points

• Governor Alia attributes APC crisis to party chieftains seeking control of government funds.
• Benue APC rejects Strategic Alliance for Tinubu/Shettima Re-election 2027.
• Governor Alia donates N5 million for Tiv unity house in Adamawa State.